A Guide to Image Sizing for Photographers & Creators 

Image sizing is important to understand for creating professional projects, but it can get confusing.
Using the correct dimensions is essential to keeping images from become pixelated or distorted. 
This guide will help creators understand common industry aspect ratios, standard print sizes, as well as to give a walkthrough of how to batch resize a set of images. 

Aspect Ratio: 

Before going into all of the different image sizes, it is important to understand aspect ratio. Aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and length of an image. Essentially, it tells the creator what shape the image size will be in regard to its long/short edges. 

Helpful Aspect Ratio Examples 

1:1 aspect ratio: meaning both sides are the same width and height. An image with This ratio will always be a square image, like. It’s commonly used for things like social media profiles. 

3:2 aspect ratio:  One of the most common ratios for photographers to shoot in. It is used across film and digital photography. This is the aspect ratio of original 35 mm film.

4:3 aspect ratio: used for computer monitors and TVs. Many creators use this ratio to shoot photos or films that will fit to a screen. 

 16:9 aspect ratio:  common on most computer monitors and modern wide-screen TVs.

When it comes to photography, note that using a certain aspect ratio can be a creative choice. The good aspect ratio will depend on the photographer’s vision and the specific needs of the shot.

 Industry standards for print sizes. 

When creating for print, it is essential to use the correct image sizes for clean and professional work. Many beginners find this out the hard way printing work that has become pixelated or distorted from wrong sizing. We compiled a list of standard sizes for creators to reference when printing to a client or for personal use. 

4 x 6 inches : This is a common print size for snapshots and smaller prints.
Pixel length – 1200 x 1800 

 5 x 7 inches : This is a slightly larger print size that can be used for wall portraits or gift prints.
Pixel length – 1500 x 2100 ( 5 x 7 )

8 x 10 inches : This is a popular size for wall portraits or larger gift prints.
Pixel length 3400 x 4400 

12 x 18 inches : This is a larger print size that can be used for wall portraits 
Pixel Length 3600 x 5400

 18 x 24 inches : This is a larger print size that can be used for wall portraits 
Pixel Length 5400 x 7200 pixels

20 x 30inches : This is a larger print size that can be used for wall portraits 
Pixel Length 7200 x10800 pixels

24 x 36 inches : This is a larger print size that can be used for wall portraits 
Pixel Length 7200 x10800 pixels

Social Media Sizes

Linkedin:

Profile photo: 400 x 400 pixels
Cover image: 1584 x 396 pixels

Instagram:

Profile photo size: 110 x 110 pixels
Photo size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Photo thumbnail: 161 x 161 pixels
Story & Reels: 1080 x 1920, Aspect ratio 9:16

Pinterest:

Profile image: 165 x 165 pixels
Pin size: 236 pixels x Adjustable Height; 2:3 ratio for vertical pins
Board image size: 222 x 150 pixels

Youtube

Channel cover photo: 2560 x 1440 pixels
Channel icon: 800 x 800 pixels
Video uploads: 16:9 ratio
With the fixed ratio, you can upload your video in various resolutions (4k, 1080, 720)

How to Batch Resize with JPEGmini

Step 1: Open JPEGmini and click the icon in the top right corner

Step 2: Click the option “Export to Folder”, then select a folder where the resized images will be sent

Step 3: Click the dropdown menu and select from pre-made resize options or by creating your own by clicking “manage custom sizes…”

Step 4: A pop-up window will appear, click the plus sign to make a custom resize preset

Step 5: Name your Resize Preset. You can also customize the name of the export folder

Step 6: Click the dropdown menu and select “Max Dimensions”, input the pixel number that you desire and click save and then apply. Now your custom preset is created and ready to be used!

Step 7: The last step is to drag & drop your image(s) or folder(s) for a quick batch resizing

You don’t have JPEGmini yet? Download it today and start saving time and space!